Their Majesties make merit to mark the Queen Mother’s 90th birthday

The ceremonies were held at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram and at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Accompanying Their Majesties were Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Princess Rajasarinisiribajra and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

The Princess Royal Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn were waiting to welcome Their Majesties at the Amarin Wainitchai Throne Hall.

At Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, Their Majesties lit candles in front of the Emerald Buddha and made offerings before heading to the throne hall to attend prayers chanted by 91 Buddhist monks. Their Majesties then offered alms to the monks and paid respects to the Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella before leaving.

Despite the rainy weather, a large number of citizens had shown up at the temple to greet Their Majesties and shout “Song Phra Charoen” or Long Live Their Majesties as they walked past.

At noon on Friday, the Army, Navy and Air Force fired 21 cannon shots in different locations in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.

In the evening Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn presided over a candle-lighting ceremony in Sanam Luang.

Also attending were the House and Senate speakers, Supreme Court president, chiefs of the armed forces, Royal Thai Police chief, high-ranking government officials and their spouses as well as members of the public.

After placing a tray of flowers at the base of the Queen Mother’s portrait, Prayut delivered a speech thanking Queen Sirikit for her kindness and the work she has done for the Thai people. He then wrapped up the ceremony by leading a rendition of the Royal Anthem and lighting more candles.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s birthday on August 12 is celebrated every year as Mother’s Day in Thailand.